Tasting Notes
Vinous – 92
The 1988 Lynch Bages has a slightly more intense nose than the previous bottle six years ago, mainly black fruit mixed with subtle pencil shaving and chimney soot scents, a little Saint-Julien in style. After a few minutes, there’s a touch of all sorts and fish scale. Certainly, it is less flamboyant than either the 1989 or 1990. The palate is now fully mature with pliant tannins and black fruit commingling with meat juices and licorice. It’s a little sweeter than expected for a 1988 Left Bank on the finish. Overall, this is perfect to drink now. Tasted at the 1988 Bordeaux dinner at Noble Rot Mayfair.
Anticipated maturity: 2024-2036
Robert Parker – 91
Ex-cellar bottle tasted blind at the Lynch Bages vertical. There are more red fruits on the nose of the ’88 Lynch Bages rather than black: raspberry, cedar, black tea and a touch of earth. Very good definition. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins, touch of liquorices and spice, cedar and a sweet ripe finish with hints of dried blood, that is not nearly as austere as you would expect. A delightful ’88 that punches above its weight. Drink now-2020. Tasted September 2009.
Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020
